Where Are They Now?
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing.
A: I am currently the Chief of Police for the Jackson Township Police Department. I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Criminal Justice Training Center in 1995 and have been working with Jackson Township for the last 28 years. Prior to my role as Chief, I served as a Patrolman, Corporal and Sergeant. I also specialized in Collision Reconstruction and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. Previously, I worked for the Adams Township and Middlesex Township Police Departments.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I am married to my wife Rosslyn and have two children, Joseph and Olivia, who are both students and athletes at Slippery Rock University.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: My wife and I enjoy traveling, and our favorite destination is Aruba.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: Seneca Valley helped me become the person I am today by providing me the opportunity to compete in athletics. I played for the varsity football team, and those experiences on the field taught me life lessons that I’ve carried with me and continue to use daily.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: My favorite teacher/coach was Tim Parish (retired teacher and coach from Seneca Valley after 34 years of service). He was a brand-new teacher for the first half of my fifth-grade year at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School (CVE) and ended up being my offensive line coach while I was on the varsity football team.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: My favorite memory was being part of the football team. I am a firm believer that athletics teaches many life lessons such as responsibility, dedication, perseverance and the need to self-sacrifice for the good of the team. I have used many of these lessons in both my personal and professional life.
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: Today’s workforce needs well-adjusted and mature critical thinkers to carry on the tough work in real-world environments that are required to make our society function. Be firm, but fair with your students.
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing.
A: Since graduating from SV, my life has definitely been an adventure! I earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah University, an MFA in Acting from DePaul University. My career has taken me around the world, performing in plays, television, commercials, and films and I still can’t believe I get to call this my job!
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: I’ve lived in a lot of places as a traveling artist, but the weirdest was probably spending a full year at a Renaissance Faire—living right above a Scotch Egg restaurant. I’ve since become a vegan!
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: I often talk about how fortunate I was to have access to such a rich arts program at Seneca Valley. I had teachers like Ms. Bobi-Jean Alexander, Ms. Toni Keefer, Ms. Marcie Agostinelli, Ms. Amber Hugus, and Ms. Lynn Stewart—just to name a few—who encouraged me to grow, take risks and continue to fall in love with performing. In classes and after-school activities, I had the opportunity to sing a wide range of choral music styles and perform in numerous plays, musicals, and even devised theatrical works, which were essential in developing my unique artistic voice.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: I have to say, I’m wildly jealous of how SV’s arts program has grown since I graduated! In a time when the arts are often the first thing cut from public education, it makes me so proud to see Seneca Valley investing in its students. The arts give people an outlet to connect, express themselves and develop empathy and communication skills that are absolutely essential to our humanity. SV students are the luckiest!
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: As I mentioned above, Ms. Bobi-Jean Alexander, Ms. Toni Keefer, Ms. Marcie Agostinelli, Ms. Amber Hugus, and Ms. Lynn Stewart were deeply invested in my growth as an artist. I spent hours after school talking, working and growing with that incredible crew. I still vividly remember being in Mr. Matchett’s Music Theory class—trying to notate Ella Fitzgerald scatting—and nearly losing my mind because it was so hard! But, it absolutely sharpened my ear and strengthened my ability to read and write music. And of course, Mr. Semega—I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have passed the SATs without him!
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: One of my favorite memories from my time at Seneca was auditioning for the school musicals—and not getting a lead role. In those big productions, I was often cast as a supporting character, and I remember feeling so disappointed at first. But our musical directors encouraged me to take those roles and run with them—and run I did!
Even back in elementary school, I didn’t land the lead, but I did get to play Tom Sawyer’s mother. She had a crying scene, and I didn’t just weep—I wailed and absolutely chewed up the scenery. Bless that entire cast for their patience and grace with a very dramatic fifth grader!
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: Thank you. Thank you for seeing me, for allowing me to grow, for giving me the space to make mistakes, to be a messy teenager and to find my voice during that time. You helped lay the foundation for who I am today.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: You are so lucky to have all of these incredible arts programs—so soak up every second! Do something that scares you, knowing you have teachers and administrators who will catch you. Ask tons of questions. Be unique, be curious, be open. That’s the key to success, no matter where you go.
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: I’ve owned Mainstream Boutique in Cranberry Township since December 2022, and we sell women's clothing and accessories. My boutique has been involved in back-to-school supply drives for SVSD and the elementary school parent teacher organizations and associations (PTO and PTAs).
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I am currently living in Cranberry Township with my husband and four kids. All of my children are currently attending school within the Seneca Valley School District.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: I own my own business!
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: Seneca Valley is such a big school district, but it does not feel that way. Teachers and staff take time to get to know students, including Principals, who have hundreds of students a year to get to know.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/ SV staff member?
A: My favorite teacher was my fifth grade teacher at Rowan Elementary Mary Beth Binder.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: My favorite teacher, Ms. Mary Beth Binder, asked her students to pick an animal in the Brazilian rainforest, research it and draw it. We then all collectively created a rainforest in the fifth-grade hallway for all of Rowan Elementary to enjoy. Students were also asked to sell candy to raise funds to save acreage in the rainforest. She also had an open house so that parents could come in and see all of our hard work and donate to our cause. This was my favorite memory at SVSD and it inspired me to give back to the community personally and professionally to causes that are important to me. I also want to give a shoutout to Mrs. Betsy Cavicchia who kept that tradition alive at Rowan Elementary and did a similar theme with her second grade students until her recent retirement.
Q: If you had one message for students, what would it be?
A: Thank you for all you do!! I have had nothing but amazing experiences at SV personally when I went through the district and now all of my children.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: Seneca Valley has so many amazing clubs, sports and after-school activities. There is something for everyone.
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: I am currently the director of the Nursing program at Thiel College and work in the field as the Lead Certified Nurse Midwife at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Boardman, Ohio. I teach the First Assist Class for the American College of Nurse Midwives. I am also the conference coordinator for the Association of Women’s Health Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses and am an exam writer for the American Midwifery Certification Board. I have an Associate Degree in Nursing from Butler County Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, a Post-Master's Certificate from Shenandoah University, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Waynesburg University and am working on a grant to develop a Perinatal Depression/Anxiety Clinic.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I have been married to my husband Steve for 23 years. We have four children: Alyssa, Grace, Nicholas and Charlee and live in Slippery Rock. We also have four dogs and a cat.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: My senior year I asked to be let out of school early to take college courses at Butler County Community College instead of a work release. I was among the first to do this and I am so happy to see this is an opportunity for high school students now. It gave me a head start on my continued education in the field of Nursing.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: My favorite teacher is Ms. Marilane Foley who was my first grade teacher at Haine Elementary School. I am still in contact with her 42 years later! We exchange letters every summer and Christmas cards each year. We visit from time to time when she is in Pittsburgh.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: I took a career interest survey my senior year that said I should explore the career of a midwife. I had no idea what a midwife was, but I researched midwifery and interviewed a nurse midwife in Butler. I went on to become a midwife and the nurse I interviewed delivered my children.
Q: If you had one message for students, what would it be?
A: A nursing career awards many opportunities with one degree!
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: After graduating from the University of Akron in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, I moved back to Zelienople, and have worked at Jennifer Janeway Designs as the Associate Designer. We are located in Sewickley at the showroom/boutique Jennifer Janeway Home. I have been able to work on some cool projects that have been featured in Pittsburgh Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine!
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: My parents still live and work in Zelienople. My mom is Robin Fleming, owner of Room to Grow Toy Store and my dad is Mark Fleming, Owner/Chiropractor at New Health Solutions. I have four brothers, two live out of state, and two live locally. I have a niece and nephew in Cranberry Twp. Leo is three and Josie is nine and goes to Ehrman Crest. Hi Josie and Leo!
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: Some people may not know that outside of work I really like to craft! I have been teaching myself how to crochet for the last couple of years and love bullet journaling.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: SV helped me become the person I am today because of the clubs and electives offered. I could find academic and social spaces where I felt I belonged. I took classes that actually related to my college major and they helped me feel secure in my career choice. Being part of clubs and teams like Thespians and the Pom Pons squad made me feel like I had groups of people I could turn to and rely on for support-- because high school can be hard!
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: There are opportunities to fulfill credits in subjects that may not be your strong suit. For example, science was never my forte. However, because Seneca offered a large selection of science electives, I was able to find a class, Horticulture with Mrs. Hadley, that I really enjoyed and was still able to get the credit I needed.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/ SV staff member?
A: My favorite SV staff member was Mrs. Cooper, my kindergarten teacher at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary (CVE). She set me up for success at Seneca Valley and made me feel comfortable and confident in myself! She even sent me a flower during my senior year high school musical and keeps in touch with me today.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: One of my favorite memories at SV is when I was cast in my first play with the Thespians. I had some of my best high school memories with this club and the friends I made from it. Being a part of Thespians encouraged me to continue with theater in college and post-grad life which helps keep me feeling balanced and happy! I think it's very important to have a hobby that brings you joy outside of work and school!
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: My message to the teachers and staff is to remember these years in school are full of crucial memories and impactful moments for students! You never know what day or situation could be the most lasting in a student's life.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: Seneca Valley is a large school district and can seem very intimidating, but where you may see an overwhelming number of classes, clubs and students, there are many opportunities for a student to find a space and group of people where they belong!